Disabled Man Faces Homelessness After Brother's Death

0:00It's March 3rd in Sydney. Let's get into the news. A disabled man in far northwestern Australia is at risk of homelessness after his brother's death last year. Michael McCarran shared public housing and broom for over 10 years, but he was never added to the lease. When his brother passed away before Christmas, the Department of Housing and Works told him to leave right away. Housing officials visited the property recently to change the locks. McCarran, who lives on a disability pension, says the Department has not helped him at all. He even offered to take over the rent payments, but they turned him down. People in the region often face this problem, according to support workers. Many avoid adding family to leases out of fear. It will increase their rent. As a result, long-term residents like McCarran end up with no legal rights and can become homeless. The Department says McCarran got three extensions on his vacate date. They note he was not listed on the household and did not pay rent. Now, he is on the priority housing wait list, backdated to November last year.

1:03Wait times in broom stretch, four to seven years, with 129 people ahead on the priority list as of late December. Officials say keeping him there longer with the lay housing for others. McCarran waits for word on the new place. A message from our sponsor supports today's story. Soley Pillow is a pillow with built-in headphones. Lay back, press play, and disappear into what you are listening to. S-O-L-L-I, soleypillow.com.